Top Five Checklist for Cat Adoption

Each spring thousands of newborn kittens join the millions of cats already in shelters across the country. That means our local shelters have tons of cute, cuddly newborns, in addition to calm, older cats. Hence, June has been designated Adopt-A-Cat month and shelters are ready to help you adopt your very first cat – or to bring home a friend for another beloved cat!

Take Two – Cats require exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction. Two cats can provide this for each other.

Choose Wisely – Just as we each have our own personality, so do cats. In general, cats with long hair and round heads and bodies are more easygoing than lean cats with narrow heads and short hair, who are typically more active.

Stock Up – Be prepared so your new cat can start feeling at home right away. Your cat will need a litter box, cat litter, food and water bowls, food, scratching posts, safe and stimulating toys, a cushy bed, a brush for grooming, a toothbrush and nail clippers.

Cat Proof – A new cat will quickly teach you not to leave things lying out. Food left on the kitchen counter will serve to teach your new friend to jump on counters for a possible lunch. Get rid of loose items your cat might chew on, watch to ensure the kitten isn’t chewing on electric cords, and pick up random items like paper clips (which kittens may swallow).

Introduce Slowly – It can take several weeks for a cat to relax in a new environment. It’s a great idea to keep the new addition secluded to a single room (with a litter box, food and water, toys, and the cat carrier left out and open with bedding inside) until the cat is used to the new surroundings; this is particularly important if you have other pets. If you’ve adopted a kitten, socialization is very important. But remember – take it slow.